Barbs

The battle ground so long ago

was rife with sticks and stones they’d throw

let them strike, avoid the fray;

it only made for easier prey

discovered these arrows in my quiver ~

sharp-barbed words would soon deliver

in time, I learned these weapons sting

it’s clear the depth of harm they bring

now backbone has become my shield;

be careful with the words you wield

Reviews

[kublakhan27]

Whoever came up with that 'sticks and stones may break my bones' thing needed a boot in the a*s...there were years in my life when I was begging for those sticks and stones as opposed to the alternative. I'm sure that was a factor in me picking up a pen and wading into the world of poetry. I always relate to your work but you've really been speaking to me with your recent pieces...well-said and well-written my friend.

[Rita L. Sev]

Steve, I think you and I had similar experiences in the schoolyard. Learning to command words was the best skill I ever learned... Thank you!

[Marie]

Words can be powerful weapons...or tools, depending on how you use them.

[Rita L. Sev]

Like dynamite... Thank you, Marie

[Baby Ricochet]

Good rhythm and rhyme here and do be careful when you start throwing words around

[Rita L. Sev]

Yep... Thanks, Mark!

[Lydia Shutter]

Very wise life advise delivered in flawless rhythm and rhyme, Rita. Once words are said, their impact can not be assauged. Walking tall and with a strong back bone gets you further in life than throwing nasty barbs does. I liked this a lot. Lydi**

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Lydi! I started talking as a teenager, and had to learn that lesson - confidence beats angry words every time...

[Einstein Noodle]

fantastic pointed wisdom ... the power of words ... the pen ... once aired can not be taken back ... from long ago to the now! your poetry always gives me a blessing ... another good one Rita
E.

[Rita L. Sev]

Wounds heal, but painful words can sting for decades... Glad you enjoyed this - thanks, E! :)

[Angel]

There is a lot of wisdom in this piece, Rita. So often we just blurt out angry and hurtful words, without ever realizing the damage we are causing.
People say "My temper is like a sudden storm...and it's over just as quickly as it begins." They think this somehow excuses them. But, oh...the damage these "sudden storms" leave in their wake!!

[Rita L. Sev]

So true, Angel. It is an important skill to learn, how to weigh our words...

[Brittany Zedalis]

People rarely realize the damage that words can do, even years after they are said. I really enjoyed reading this. Really wonderful job!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Brittany! Glad you enjoyed.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

We never should apologize for standing up for our selves… it is being step on that we need to apologize to ourselves…. you go girl with your bad self…. ROAR!!

[Rita L. Sev]

:) Thanks, Dale - I have learned to roar when necessary!

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

Kittens got claws, LOL

[Sami Khalil]

"in my quiver ~
sharp-barbed words would soon deliver
in time, I learned these weapons sting
it’s clear the depth of harm "

Amazing wording of this relevant truth. Words can injure or heal conditioned to the intent of the speaker. I have people that hurt my feelings with malice intent from childhood and they echo all over again although I moved on...Excellent...:)................

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Sami. That is where this piece started - memories of hurtful words in childhood. We must learn to use our voices for good...

[Sami Khalil]

Yep. So true. You are welcome...:)...................

[Frieda P]

Words are exactingly powerful, they can raise us up or bring us to our knees and remain for a lifetime, great work here Rita, your words are so often healing.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you for your kind words, Frieda.

[Frieda P]

My pleasure Rita, I always find a good lesson or a smile on your page. ;-)